A Prickly Shield?

I was reading through one of my favorite Psalms the other morning, when one verse in particular struck me. I love when the Lord does that —when He takes the highlighter to my life through His Word, especially when it’s a familiar and well-read passage! This morning it was Psalm 91:4, “His faithfulness will be a protective shield.”

There’s a big difference between His faithfulness and mine. Mine is flawed and fickle —often mood and circumstance-dependent.

His faithfulness is certain, steadfast, trustworthy and eternal.

In this verse there are two words that make up this word picture of God being our shield. One means to surround and encompass, which is exactly what God’s faithfulness does in my life. He surrounds and protects me.

Yes, His faithfulness is my protective shield.

But one of the definitions for this word in the original language described it as meaning, prickliness, a prickly shield.

I thought, how odd, a prickly shield? But as I pondered this longer, I realized there are times when I am just so worn out and weary or when life has just beat me down and I just can’t seem to rise above. I just need some refuge, rest and renewal. He is my prickly shield! I got the image in my mind of a porcupine whose quills pop out at the sign of danger or attack as his defensive shield. As I find refuge under the shadow of His wings, as I find my refuge in His presence, He is my prickly shield. He guards against anything that might be coming against me, while I — weary and worn — find rest and renewal in His presence.

Yes, His faithfulness is my prickly shield.

There is another word picture of God’s faithfulness as my shield. A shield can also be something used in battle to protect and defend. And God’s faithfulness is not only stable, reliable, certain and trustworthy, but it is also truth! There are times when His faithfulness is my protective shield in the battles of life. Often for me the battle is in my own mind, and this is when I need the shield of His truth. His Word shield surrounds, protects and defends my thoughts with what is true instead of the lies assailing my thoughts. The truth of God’s Word is not only my weapon to wield in battle, but also my powerful shield against the enemy.

Yes, His faithfulness is the truth of His Word, my powerful shield.

I can face my day knowing and walking out the truth that, His faithfulness will be my protective shield!

Comments

Susan, I just stumbled across your website via the WOW weekly moment and was so excited to find it. I appreciate your profound use of God’s Word and your obvious love for serving God. Thanks for your faithfulness!